Outside view of the church
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St Anne's Church Buxton

4.8
·26 reviews·, United Kingdom

Buxton's oldest building (1625), a hidden gem with a unique blend of history, art, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Quiet reflection

CrowdLow
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Outside view of the church

St Anne's Church Buxton

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Quiet reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Buxton's oldest building (1625), a hidden gem with a unique blend of history, art, and a peaceful atmosphere.

4.8
(26 reviews)

"It's incredible to think in a place like Buxton that if you go by the carved entrance to the church dating it at 1625, that this makes it the oldest building in the town."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Seek the Hidden Entrance

Find this gem tucked away behind the Swan Pub for a truly local discovery. :key:

🕰️ Embrace the History

The church dates to 1625, making it Buxton's oldest building. Feel the centuries of stories. :scroll:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Painted Ceiling

The Painted Ceiling

Above the Altar

A stunning ceiling, possibly painted by William Morris students, adds a touch of artistic grandeur.

Saxon Font

Saxon Font

Inside the Church

Discover a font rumored to have Saxon origins, a tangible link to ancient times.

The Oldest Building in Buxton

The Oldest Building in Buxton

Exterior

Marvel at the church's entrance, carved with a date of 1625, marking it as Buxton's oldest structure.

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Discover Buxton's Oldest Gem

St. Anne's Church, dating back to 1625, is Buxton's oldest building. Its unassuming exterior hides a rich history and a surprisingly eclectic interior, blending Catholic and Anglican elements. Plan for a quiet, reflective visit to soak in the centuries of stories.

Hidden History & Local Charm

Tucked away behind the Swan Pub, St. Anne's is a true hidden gem. While it may appear simple from the outside, the interior boasts a painted ceiling attributed to William Morris students and a reputed Saxon font. It's a peaceful escape from the bustle of Buxton.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Quiet reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Soak in the details
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St. Anne, pray for us!🩷🌸 You can find beautiful European antique statues like this in our in-person store! #crossroadscollective #purchasewithpurpose #churchantiques #catholicgiftshop #catholic #stanne #CapCut
@crossroadscollectivelft
19.1K likes • 92.3K views

🤫 Seek the Hidden Entrance

Find this gem tucked away behind the Swan Pub for a truly local discovery. :key:

🕰️ Embrace the History

The church dates to 1625, making it Buxton's oldest building. Feel the centuries of stories. :scroll:

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!!! #fyp #History #oldworld #tartaria #thingsthatmakeyougohmm
@imbatmannnn25
2.4K likes • 25.5K views
Try the source and then compare #water #natural #mineral #spring #reelsfb
beardedwatersommelier
121 likes • 11.1K views

🎨 Admire the Artistry

Look up at the ceiling above the altar; it's a beautiful piece of art. :paintbrush:

💧 Consider the Water Source

Buxton's famous water source is nearby; some say tasting it at the source is a unique experience. :droplet:

Beautiful view from the window tonight! Anyone come for our mass of the lords supper in Buxton? We watch until 10 and end with night prayer again. Why not come and wait with Jesus. #watchandpray #maundythursday #nofilterneeded #holyweek
highpeakchaplain
11 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Seek the Hidden Entrance

Find this gem tucked away behind the Swan Pub for a truly local discovery. :key:

🕰️ Embrace the History

The church dates to 1625, making it Buxton's oldest building. Feel the centuries of stories. :scroll:

🎨 Admire the Artistry

Look up at the ceiling above the altar; it's a beautiful piece of art. :paintbrush:

💧 Consider the Water Source

Buxton's famous water source is nearby; some say tasting it at the source is a unique experience. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(26 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise St. Anne's Church as a hidden gem and Buxton's oldest building, appreciating its calm atmosphere and unique historical features like the painted ceiling and Saxon font. While some note its plain exterior, the interior's charm and spiritual feel are widely celebrated. There's a sentiment that the church deserves more recognition and restoration funding.

"Woww wowww woww what an amazing church it dates back to 1625 it is the oldest church in Buxton and there is a grave stone out back dating back to 1799 who was an Irish comedian who died of poisoning. In the church the atmosphere is overwhelming you feel so calm and close to god. You keep saying to yourself it’s 400 years old. What a place to get married"

Lee Lee's Camper-van Adventures

"Tucked in a corner behind the Swan Pub, what an absolute gem of a little church.
St Anne's is the oldest church in Burton, originally converted from a barn.
It's simple inside but extremely eclectic and seems to share elements of Catholicism and Anglicanism, although it is an Anglican church.
Above the altar is a painted ceiling, proported to have been painted by students of William Morris under his supervision and the font is reputed to be Saxon.
It's worth spending a little time and soaking up the details in this little known gem"

Phil & Fran Gregson

"Nice little old Anglo - Catholic church, which is almost hidden away from view around the side of a pub.
It's incredible to think in a place like Buxton that if you go by the carved entrance to the church dating it at 1625, that this makes it the oldest building in the town.
From the outside the building looks tired, on the plain side and simple standing on a small plot, but on the inside it takes on a new light with it's beamed roof, small decorative stained glass windows and it's religious adornment makes it quaint.
*It would be lovely to see if one day, the famous spa town of Buxton, spare some of it's revenue from tourists on this building and recognise this little piece of history that they have here and return it to it's former glory - maybe?"

marc greaves

What People Like

Oldest building in Buxton
Calm and spiritual atmosphere
Unique painted ceiling

What People Dislike

Plain exterior appearance
Needs more restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Anne's Church is discreetly located behind the Swan Pub on Bath Road in Buxton. Look for the entrance tucked away to find this historic gem. Reddit

Buxton is well-served by buses, and St. Anne's Church is within walking distance of the town center and main bus stops. Check local bus routes for the most convenient options.

While direct parking at the church is limited, there are several public car parks in Buxton town center, a short walk away. Consider parking at the Buxton Opera House or Pavilion Gardens car parks.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to St. Anne's Church is typically free. It's a place of worship, and visitors are welcome to enter and explore respectfully. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but the church is generally open during daylight hours for visitors. It's advisable to check with local church directories or inquire at nearby establishments if you have specific timing needs.

Yes, St. Anne's Church holds regular services. Visitors are welcome to attend, and some reviews mention feeling very welcome during communion services. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find a unique blend of Catholic and Anglican elements, a beautiful painted ceiling above the altar, and a font that is reputed to be Saxon. The atmosphere is often described as calm and overwhelming. Reddit+1

Yes, the interior with its stained glass windows and painted ceiling offers lovely photographic opportunities. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and any ongoing services. Reddit

St. Anne's Church is significant as it is the oldest building in Buxton, with its entrance dating back to 1625. It was originally converted from a barn and holds a unique place in the town's history. Reddit+1

Outside the church, you might find a gravestone dating back to 1799, belonging to an Irish comedian who reportedly died of poisoning. Reddit

🎫 💧 Water & Local Delights

While not directly part of the main Buxton spring water operations, St. Anne's is located in Buxton, a town renowned for its natural springs. Some visitors suggest tasting the water at its source for a unique experience. Instagram

Yes, being located behind the Swan Pub, there are dining options nearby. Buxton town center also offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to explore after your visit.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Anne's Church offers a quiet and reflective experience that might appeal to families looking for a peaceful break. The church's status as Buxton's oldest building (dating to 1625) can be a fascinating historical lesson for children, sparking curiosity about the past. Reddit While there aren't specific child-focused activities, the unique features like the painted ceiling and the story of the comedian's gravestone can capture young imaginations. Remember to encourage quiet behavior and respect for the sacred space. The nearby Swan Pub offers a convenient spot for a family meal afterward. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history and architecture, St. Anne's Church is a must-visit. As Buxton's oldest building, its very structure tells a story of transformation from a barn to a place of worship. Reddit Pay close attention to the entrance carved with the date 1625, a tangible link to the past. The painted ceiling, attributed to students of William Morris, is a significant artistic highlight, and the reputed Saxon font adds an even deeper historical layer. Reddit The church's unique blend of Catholic and Anglican elements also offers a glimpse into historical religious practices. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace

St. Anne's Church provides a serene sanctuary for solo travelers looking for a moment of quiet contemplation. The atmosphere is frequently described as calm and overwhelming, offering a profound sense of peace. Reddit Its hidden location behind the Swan Pub adds to its charm, making it feel like a personal discovery. Take your time to absorb the history, admire the artistic details, and enjoy the tranquility away from the usual tourist crowds. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Buxton's Oldest Structure

St. Anne's Church stands as a testament to Buxton's long history, proudly holding the title of the town's oldest building with its entrance carved with the date 1625. Originally a barn, it has been transformed into a place of worship that uniquely blends elements of both Catholicism and Anglicanism. This eclecticism is part of its charm, offering visitors a fascinating insight into evolving religious practices. The church's unassuming exterior, often described as plain or tired, belies the treasures within. Reddit+1

Inside, the atmosphere is often described as overwhelming, fostering a sense of calm and closeness to the divine. Visitors are drawn to the painted ceiling above the altar, believed to have been created by students of the renowned William Morris under his supervision. Another significant feature is the font, which is reputed to be of Saxon origin, adding another layer of ancient history to the site. The small decorative stained glass windows also contribute to the quaint and spiritual ambiance. Reddit

Many visitors express a desire for more recognition and restoration funding for this historical gem. The hope is that Buxton, as a famous spa town, might one day allocate some of its tourist revenue to help return St. Anne's to its former glory, preserving this vital piece of local heritage for future generations. Reddit The church also holds a poignant reminder of the past with a gravestone dating back to 1799, belonging to an Irish comedian who met an untimely end. Reddit

The Water of Buxton: From Source to Sip

Buxton is globally recognized for its natural mineral water, and while St. Anne's Church isn't directly a water bottling facility, its location in Buxton places it at the heart of this renowned spa town. The water, famed for its purity and therapeutic properties, has been a draw for centuries. Instagram

For those interested in experiencing the water at its origin, some travelers recommend visiting the actual source. The idea is to compare the taste of the water directly from the spring with bottled Buxton water. This hands-on approach allows for a personal appreciation of the water's natural quality. Instagram

While St. Anne's Church itself offers a spiritual and historical experience, its proximity to Buxton's famous water sources adds another dimension to a visit. It’s a reminder of the natural resources that have shaped the town and continue to attract visitors seeking wellness and unique local experiences.

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